Tag: Press

“[T]he Ghost Chorus deserves a nod, as well as the chorus for the Norwegian sailors, the Dutchman’s crew and the young women in Senta’s scene in Act 2. I thought the entire production was impressive and well-orchestrated.” Read More

“On Friday and Sunday, audiences in Baltimore will get a chance to check out Wagner’s “Die Fliegende Holländer” in concert performance. Todd Thomas takes on the title role with Alexandra LoBianco as Senta and Justin Hopkins as Daland. Erik will be interpreted by Dane Suarez with James Harp conducting and performing the piano throughout the performance. It isn’t how we usually hear Wagner, but a more intimate musical setting is bound to create a unique experience.” Read More

“All eight singers have their moments to shine throughout. The octet is so good that I feel obligated to name each of them individually: Brian Arreola (tenor), Peter Burroughs (tenor), Anamer Castrello (mezzo), Natalie Conte (soprano), Teresa Ferrara (soprano), Bryan Jackson (bass), Elizabeth Mondragon (mezzo), and John T.K. Scherch (bass). Harmonies remain tight for the entirety and while the boisterous Requiem’s score can feel overwhelming in the intimate Source Theater, it is the kind of overwhelming feeling that wraps you in the intricacies of Verdi’s work. It’s a surprisingly welcome sensation.”

If you’ve tuned in lately to a non-symphony or Met broadcast and you’ve heard a voice you didn’t recognize, it is likely that you heard me. I’m John T.K. Scherch, the new guy, the freshman, or whichever other nickname(s) my colleagues or our dear listeners decide to give me. I also understand I’m the first new voice on the air in 20 years. However you’d like to refer to it, I’m ecstatic to be part of this radio station. If you question this due to my lack of exclamation points, you and my partner can have a conversation about how I’m not fazed by anything. It just hasn’t fazed me yet.

I got my start in radio at WWVU-FM, or as everyone refers to it, U92, the college radio station at West Virginia University and the national college radio station of the year for the past two years running (as of 2017). I directed the heavy metal program for three years and the classical program for two years, which I’m particularly proud of as I brought the show out of its previous hangover time slot into weekend primetime and got the WVU School of Music to allow us to broadcast student recitals.

OPERA NEWS had high praise for Opera Theater of Pittsburgh’s production of Richard Strauss’s Die schweigsame Frau (performed in English as The Silent Woman), and especially for John’s performance as Vanuzzi, the head of the onstage opera company. The article requires a subscription to read, but the important part is copied below!